There are many ideas for making a small space feel larger. Some are tried and true, like painting your room a light color or using strategically placed mirrors to reflect light. However, there are a few other tips I’ve learned and used that might not be as obvious but can be just as effective.
Furniture
Most people have been taught to use small-scale furniture in a small space, but I’ve found the opposite can work beautifully. Filling a small room with only small items can actually reinforce the feeling that you don’t have enough room. Larger pieces can still work in a small space. The key is choosing the right ones.
Take a small living room, for example. Seating is one of the most important elements, so don’t be afraid to use a full-size sofa. Look for a longer sofa with low-profile or smaller arms to maximize seating without making the room feel bulky. A corner sectional is another great option for maximizing seating in a small room.
Furniture with exposed or higher legs can also create the illusion of more floor space. Try incorporating this feature into a sofa, cocktail table, sofa table, or accent chair. You don’t need every piece to have exposed legs; just a few can make a difference.
Rounded and curved furniture is another easy way to improve traffic flow. A round cocktail table, for example, can make it easier to move throughout the room. Ottomans are also great for small spaces because they can provide extra seating while being tucked away when not in use.
For TV consoles or entertainment units, look for a longer, taller piece with a depth of 14" or less. Mounting your TV above it can also help create more usable surface area.
Accessories
Let’s start with the rug. A small rug isn’t necessarily going to make your room feel bigger, it can actually do the opposite. Choose a rug large enough for at least the front feet of your furniture to sit on. Don’t be afraid to go bigger. A properly sized area rug can help make the entire space feel more connected and spacious.
When it comes to accessories, think fewer and larger. A lot of small items can make a room feel busy and cluttered, while a few larger pieces allow the eye to move around the room to each item. Trees and tall, skinny floor lamps are also fantastic because they add interest to vertical spaces without taking up much floor space.
Art can make or break a small space. Use the wall space you have with either a gallery wall or a large-scale piece of art. As a general guideline, your artwork should be appropriately scaled to the furniture below by utilizing the 2/3 rule. For example, over a three seat sofa, your art should hit at least in the middle of the outer cushions. If your ceilings are shorter, a larger piece of art can also help draw the eye upward.
Monochromatic Color
If you’re not a white-wall person but have a small space, an easy solution is to keep your color scheme monochromatic. Whether you choose green, beige, blue, or any other color, using variations of that color throughout your walls, furniture, and accessories can make the room feel intentional and relaxing.
Color drenching is another easy trick. Painting your walls, trim, and doors in similar shades can eliminate some of the visual breaks created by contrasting colors. Your sofa can be slightly lighter or darker than the wall, while your accessories and artwork can continue the same color story.
It’s a bold way to express yourself, but it can make a lasting impact.
I hope this inspires you not to be afraid or intimidated by a small space. Interior design isn’t about following rules, it’s about expressing yourself and making the absolute most of any space, small or large. Try something new. The results could be amazing!
Yours in Design,
Karli
Every month, Karli dives into the world of design and shares her knowledge on the newest design trends in the "Design Pulse", in which she offers thoughtful insight on the trends that are shaping the design world today, and keeping an eye on what is coming next next! Click below to read more editions of Design Pulse!
